How to Say "Sue" in Japanese - How To Say Guide

訴える

uttaeru[ɯ̟t̚ta̠e̞ɾɯ̟]

To sue in Japanese is 訴える (uttaeru).

The verb 訴える means to file a legal action or to sue.

Meaning: to file a legal action (verb)

Which one should you use?

While 訴える is the verb for filing a legal action, the form スー serves as a diminutive for the female given name Sue.

uttaeru

The verb 訴える does not only mean to sue in court, but is also the standard word for complaining about a physical symptom to a doctor.
In Japanese culture, the threat of using 訴える is often seen as a drastic final resort because of a strong social preference for 'jidan' or private settlement.
The kanji used in 訴える, composed of 'speech' and 'to obey/follow', carries the historical nuance of bringing a verbal report to a superior to be followed.

同性をセクハラで訴えることできないのかしら。
I wonder if you can sue someone of the same sex for sexual harassment?
This sentence is useful for expressing a question regarding the possibility of suing someone of the same sex for sexual harassment using 訴える.
Tatoeba #75058 by fcbond, translation #328661 by fcbond
不当な解雇で会社を訴える。
futou na kaiko de kaisha o uttaeru.
I will sue the company for unfair dismissal.

Misaki tells Ren about a dispute with a landlord.

美咲 Misaki

家主が敷金を返してくれません。
Yanushi ga shikikin o kaeshite kuremasen.
The landlord won't return my security deposit.
蓮 Ren

それはひどいね。訴えるつもり？
Sore wa hidoi ne. Uttaeru tsumori?
That's terrible. Do you plan to sue?
美咲 Misaki

ええ、弁護士に相談します。
Ee, bengoshi ni sōdan shimasu.
Yes, I will consult a lawyer.
蓮 Ren

美咲ならきっと勝てるよ。
Misaki nara kitto kateru yo.
I'm sure you'll win, Misaki.

Sources

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